System for automatically gathering battery information

ABSTRACT

A method that includes affixing a radio frequency identification tag on a storage battery at a battery manufacturing plant. The method also includes storing battery manufacturing information into the radio frequency identification tag at the battery manufacturing plant. The battery manufacturing information includes a battery algorithm suitable for use in testing the storage battery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/416,457, filed Apr. 1, 2009, which is aContinuation-In-Part of and claims priority of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/207,419, filed Aug. 19, 2005, which is based on and claimsthe benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/603,078,filed Aug. 20, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to storage batteries. More specifically,the present invention relates to a system for automatically gatheringbattery information for use during battery testing/charging.

Storage batteries, such as lead acid storage batteries, are used in avariety of applications such as automotive vehicles and stand by powersources. Typically, storage batteries consist of a plurality ofindividual storage cells which are electrically connected in series.Each cell can have a voltage potential of about 2.1 volts, for example.By connecting the cells in series, the voltages of individual cells areadded in a cumulative manner. For example, in a typical automotivebattery, six storage cells are used to provide a total voltage of 12.6volts. The individual cells are held in a housing and the entireassembly is commonly referred to as the “battery.”

It is frequently desirable to ascertain the condition of a storagebattery. Various testing techniques have been developed over the longhistory of storage batteries. For example, one technique involves theuse of a hygrometer in which the specific gravity of the acid mixture inthe battery is measured. Electrical testing has also been used toprovide less invasive battery testing techniques. A very simpleelectrical test is to simply measure the voltage across the battery. Ifthe voltage is below a certain threshold, the battery is determined tobe bad. Another technique for testing a battery is referred to as a loadtest. In the load test, the battery is discharged using a known load. Asthe battery is discharged, the voltage across the battery is monitoredand used to determine the condition of the battery. More recently, atechnique has been pioneered by Dr. Keith S. Champlin and Midtronics,Inc. of Willowbrook, Ill. for testing storage batteries by measuring adynamic parameter of the battery such as the dynamic conductance of thebattery. This technique is described in a number of United Statespatents and United States patent applications, for example U.S. Pat. No.3,873,911, issued Mar. 25, 1975, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONICBATTERY TESTING DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No. 3,909,708, issued Sep. 30, 1975,to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No.4,816,768, issued Mar. 28, 1989, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONICBATTERY TESTING DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,170, issued Apr. 25, 1989,to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE WITH AUTOMATICVOLTAGE SCALING; U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,038, issued Nov. 14, 1989, toChamplin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE WITH AUTOMATICVOLTAGE SCALING TO DETERMINE DYNAMIC CONDUCTANCE; U.S. Pat. No.4,912,416, issued Mar. 27, 1990, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONICBATTERY TESTING DEVICE WITH STATE-OF-CHARGE COMPENSATION; U.S. Pat. No.5,140,269, issued Aug. 18, 1992, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC TESTERFOR ASSESSING BATTERY/CELL CAPACITY; U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,380, issuedAug. 30, 1994, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPRESSINGTIME-VARYING SIGNALS IN BATTERIES UNDERGOING CHARGING OR DISCHARGING;U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,136, issued Nov. 5, 1996, entitled ELECTRONICBATTERY TESTER DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,355, issued Nov. 12, 1996,entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTION AND CONTROL OF THERMALRUNAWAY IN A BATTERY UNDER CHARGE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,416, issued Dec.10, 1996, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STEP-CHARGING BATTERIES TOOPTIMIZE CHARGE ACCEPTANCE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,728, issued Dec. 17,1996, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH AUTOMATIC COMPENSATION FORLOW STATE-OF-CHARGE; U.S. Pat. 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No. 10/396,550, filed Mar. 25, 2003, entitledELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 60/467,872, filed May 5, 2003,entitled METHOD FOR DETERMINING BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE; U.S. Ser. No.60/477,082, filed Jun. 9, 2003, entitled ALTERNATOR TESTER; U.S. Ser.No. 10/460,749, filed Jun. 12, 2003, entitled MODULAR BATTERY TESTER FORSCAN TOOL; U.S. Ser. No. 10/462,323, filed Jun. 16, 2003, entitledELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER HAVING A USER INTERFACE TO CONFIGURE APRINTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/601,608, filed Jun. 23, 2003, entitled CABLEFOR ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/601,432, filed Jun. 23,2003, entitled BATTERY TESTER CABLE WITH MEMORY; U.S. Ser. No.60/490,153, filed Jul. 25, 2003, entitled SHUNT CONNECTION TO A PCB FORAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM EMPLOYED IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE; U.S. Ser.No. 10/653,342, filed Sep. 2, 2003, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTERCONFIGURED TO PREDICT A LOAD TEST RESULT; U.S. Ser. No. 10/654,098,filed Sep. 3, 2003, entitled BATTERY TEST OUTPUTS ADJUSTED BASED UPONBATTERY TEMPERATURE AND THE STATE OF DISCHARGE OF THE BATTERY; U.S. Ser.No. 10/656,526, filed Sep. 5, 2003, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FORMEASURING A PARAMETER OF A VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No.10/656,538, filed Sep. 5, 2003, entitled ALTERNATOR TESTER WITH ENCODEDOUTPUT; U.S. Ser. No. 10/675,933, filed Sep. 30, 2003, entitled QUERYBASED ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/678,629, filed Oct. 3,2003, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER/CHARGER WITH INTEGRATED BATTERYCELL TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/441,271, filed May19, 2003, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 09/653,963,filed Sep. 1, 2000, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWERGENERATION AND STORAGE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/174,110, filed Jun. 18, 2002,entitled DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT CONTROL USING AN INTELLIGENT POWERMANAGEMENT SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. 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No. 10/823,140, filed Apr. 13, 2004, entitledTHEFT PREVENTION DEVICE FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE SERVICE CENTERS; U.S.Ser. No. 60/575,945, filed Jun. 1, 2004, entitled BATTERY TESTER CAPABLEOF IDENTIFYING FAULTY BATTERY POST ADAPTERS; U.S. Ser. No. 60/577,345,filed Jun. 4, 2004, entitled NEW METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY TESTING ABATTERY AND TRANSMITTING DATA TO ANOTHER MODULE IN A VEHICLE; U.S. Ser.No. 10/864,904, filed Jun. 9, 2004, entitled ALTERNATOR TESTER; U.S.Ser. No. 10/867,385, filed Jun. 14, 2004, entitled ENERGY MANAGEMENTSYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/870,680, filed Jun. 17,2004, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH RELATIVE TEST OUTPUT; U.S.Ser. No. 60/582,925, filed Jun. 25, 2004, entitled BATTERY TESTER WITHBATTERY POTENTIAL FOR RECOVERY OUTPUT; U.S. Ser. No. 10/883,019, filedJul. 1, 2004, entitled MODULAR ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No.60/585,700, filed Jul. 6, 2004, entitled TEST STATION; U.S. Ser. No.60/587,232, filed Jul. 12, 2004, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY TESTER; U.S.Ser. No. 10/896,835, filed Jul. 22, 2004, entitled BROAD-BANDLOW-INDUCTANCE CABLES FOR MAKING KELVIN CONNECTIONS TO ELECTROCHEMICALCELLS AND BATTERIES; U.S. Ser. No. 10/896,834, filed Jul. 22, 2004,entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/897,801, filed Jul.23, 2004, entitled SHUNT CONNECTION TO A PCB FOR AN ENERGY MANAGEMENTSYSTEM EMPLOYED IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/914,304,filed Aug. 9, 2004, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH NETWORKCOMMUNICATION; U.S. Ser. No. 60/603,078, filed Aug. 20, 2004, entitledSYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY GATHERING BATTERY INFORMATION FOR USE DURINGBATTERY TESTING/CHARGING; U.S. Ser. No. 10/958,821, filed Oct. 5, 2004,entitled IN-VEHICLE BATTERY MONITOR; U.S. Ser. No. 10/958,812, filedOct. 5, 2004, entitled SCAN TOOL FOR ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S.Ser. No. 11/008,456, filed Dec. 9, 2004, entitled APPARATUS AND METHODFOR PREDICTING BATTERY CAPACITY AND FITNESS FOR SERVICE FROM A BATTERYDYNAMIC PARAMETER AND A RECOVERY VOLTAGE DIFFERENTIAL, U.S. Ser. No.60/587,232, filed Dec. 14, 2004, entitled CELLTRON ULTRA, U.S. Ser. No.11/018,785, filed Dec. 21, 2004, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY MONITOR; U.S.Ser. No. 60/653,537, filed Feb. 16, 2005, entitled CUSTOMER MANAGEDWARRANTY CODE; which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

In general, most prior art battery testers/chargers requiretester/charger users to enter information related to the battery (suchas battery type, battery group size, battery Cold Cranking Amp (CCA)rating, etc.) via a user input such as a keypad. Reliance on user entryof battery information may result in incorrect information beingentered, which in turn can result in inaccurate battery test results orimproper charging of the battery.

SUMMARY

A method that includes affixing a radio frequency identification (RFID)tag on a storage battery at a battery manufacturing plant is provided.The method also includes storing battery manufacturing information intothe RFID tag. The battery manufacturing information includes a batteryalgorithm suitable for use in testing the storage battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing components of a batterytesting/charging system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of a storage battery including a RFID tag inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an example battery chargingsystem that is capable of receiving information from the RFID tag.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of an example battery tester thatis capable of receiving information from the RFID tag.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of a battery maintenance system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a simplified block diagram illustrating the use ofinformation in an RFID tag affixed to a battery at different stages inthe life of the battery.

FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing steps of a warranty management method inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram showing a vehicle having a batterywith an affixed RFID tag in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram showing multiple batteries witheach of the batteries including an RFID label with balancinginformation.

FIG. 9 simplified block diagram showing a method for fraud preventionwhen RFID tags are used to store battery related information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a battery testing/chargingsystem 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.System 100 includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 102,which can be affixed to a battery (such as 200 (FIG. 2)). RFID tag 102is configured to transmit stored battery information in the form of RFsignals 106. System 100 also includes a battery tester/charger 104having an embedded/integrated radio frequency (RF) receiver 108, whichis configured to receive the transmitted battery information from RF tag102 when battery tester/charger 104 is proximate RF tag 102. The batteryinformation, which is automatically received by RF receiver 108, isutilized by processor 107 and measurement and/or charge signalapplication circuitry 109 to test/charge the battery (such as 200 (FIG.2)). Thus, system 100 overcomes problems with prior art testers/chargersthat, in general, require a tester/charger user to enter batteryinformation with the help of a keypad, for example, during atesting/charging process. Of course, for battery information transfer tooccur from RFID tag 102 to tester/charger 104, tester/charger 104 shouldbe within a perimeter defined by RF signal 106. The perimeter isselected based upon a type of application and environment for whichsystem 100 is required. Also, a memory size and encoding scheme for RFIDtag 102 can be different for different applications. In general, system100 allows for battery charging/testing with minimal or no userintervention, thereby substantially eliminating any inaccuraciesassociated with manual entry of battery information.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, RFID tag 102 includes, as it primarycomponents, a battery information storage circuit 110 and a RFtransmitter 112. In embodiments of the present invention, batteryinformation storage circuit 110 is configured to store certain basicinformation regarding the battery. This information includes batterytype, battery group size, cold cranking amp (CCA) rating, batterymanufacture date (which could later be used for warranty processing),battery cost, etc. In addition to utilizing RFID tag 102 to store theabove-noted battery information, RFID tag 102 can also be used to storetracking information, such as a battery serial number, which is usefulduring the manufacture of the battery, for example. Further, RFID tag102 could also store previous test results from factory or later teststhat could aid in helping to determine battery condition. Previous testinformation can also be used to show a customer past and present testresults. Battery information and other tracking information can beconveniently encoded and RFID tags 102 can be printed on demand using asuitable printer that includes RFID tag printer/encoder programs. Insome embodiments, additional information, such as the date of sale ofthe battery, can be subsequently encoded into RFID tag 102. Inembodiments of the present invention, tag or label 102 includes acoating to dissipate static electricity that may corrupt informationstored in the tag. As a battery (such a 200) is often used in a harshand constrained environment, suitable additional protective layers maybe used for coating RFID tag 102.

In some embodiments of the present invention, tag 102 also includesbar-coded battery information 114 in addition to the RFID encodedbattery information. In some embodiments, the bar-coded batteryinformation may be a copy of the RFID encoded information. In otherembodiments, the bar-coded information may be different from the RFIDencoded information. Of course, in such embodiments, batterytester/charger 104 includes a barcode reader 116 in addition to RFreceiver 108. Tags/labels with the barcode and RFID battery informationcan be printed from a single printer that includes the necessary labelprinter/encoder programs. It should be noted that it is possible toproduce bar code tags that can contain previous test information thatcould be useful in providing previous test result information, whichcould be used in combination with RFID tags, or stand alone information.Production of bar code tags that contain battery test information isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,976, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FORAUDITING A BATTERY TEST,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to helping automate the battery testing/charging process,battery information stored in RFID tag 102 has other uses such as tohelp determine whether or not a particular battery is too “old” to besold. It should be noted that batteries may not be suitable for saleafter the expiration of a certain period (16 months, for example). Theage of the battery can easily be determined by reading the battery dateof manufacture from RFID tag 102. An RFID reader that can automaticallydetect, identify and accept battery information from all RFID tags inits reading field is especially suitable for a retailer to rapidlyidentify “old” batteries. Information, such as the date of sale of thebattery, included in RFID tag 102, can be used for automating warrantyclaims processing which is based on the battery age, date of sale, etc.Thus, RFID tag 102 is useful for battery production, storage, monitoringand tracking.

In some embodiments of the present invention, RFID tag 102 includessecurity circuitry 118, which may be coupled to RF transmitter 112 andmay also include a receiver (not shown in FIG. 1) which is capable ofreceiving signals from an external transmitter (not shown in FIG. 1)that transmits security signals. Details regarding such a securitysystem are included in U.S. Ser. No. 10/823,140, filed Apr. 13, 2004,entitled “THEFT PREVENTION DEVICE FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE SERVICECENTERS,” which is incorporated herein by reference. Details regardingcomponents of battery tester/charger 104 are provided below inconnection with FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a battery charging system 300 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. System 300 isshown coupled to battery 200. System 300 includes battery chargercircuitry 310 and test circuitry 312. Battery charger circuitry 310generally includes an alternating current (AC) source 314, a transformer316 and a rectifier 318. System 300 couples to battery 200 throughelectrical connection 320 which couples to the positive battery contact304 and electrical connection 322 which couples to the negative batterycontact 306. In one preferred embodiment, a four point (or Kelvin)connection technique is used in which battery charge circuitry 310couples to battery 300 through electrical connections 320A and 322Awhile battery testing circuitry 312 couples to battery 200 throughelectrical connections 320B and 322B.

Battery testing circuitry 312 includes voltage measurement circuitry 324and current measurement circuitry 326 which provide outputs tomicroprocessor 328. Microprocessor 328 also couples to a system clock330 and memory 332 which is used to store information and programminginstructions. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3,microprocessor 328 also couples to RF receiver 108, user outputcircuitry 334, user input circuitry 336 and barcode scanner 116, whichmay be included in some embodiments.

Voltage measurement circuitry 324 includes capacitors 338 which coupleanalog to digital converter 340 to battery 200 thorough electricalconnections 320B and 322B. Any type of coupling mechanism may be usedfor element 338 and capacitors are merely shown as one preferredembodiment. Further, the device may also couple to DC signals. Currentmeasurement circuitry 326 includes a shunt resistor (R) 342 and couplingcapacitors 344. Shunt resistor 342 is coupled in series with batterycharging circuitry 310. Other current measurement techniques are withinthe scope of the invention including Hall-Effect sensors, magnetic orinductive coupling, etc. An analog to digital converter 346 is connectedacross shunt resistor 342 by capacitors 344 such that the voltageprovided to analog to digital converter 346 is proportional to a currentI flowing through battery 200 due to charging circuitry 310. Analog todigital converter 346 provides a digitized output representative of thiscurrent to microprocessor 328.

During operation, AC source 314 is coupled to battery 200 throughtransformer 316 and rectifier 318. Rectifier 318 provides half waverectification such that current I has a non-zero DC value. Of course,full wave rectification or other AC sources may also be used. Analog todigital converter 346 provides a digitized output to microprocessor 328which is representative of current I flowing through battery 200.Similarly, analog to digital converter 324 provides a digitized outputrepresentative of the voltage across the positive and negative terminalsof battery 200. Analog to digital converters 324 and 346 arecapacitively coupled to battery 200 such that they measure the ACcomponents of the charging signal.

Microprocessor 328 determines the conductance of battery 200 based uponthe digitized current and voltage information provided by analog todigital converters 346 and 324, respectively. Microprocessor 328calculates the conductance of battery 200 as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{{Conductance} = {G = \frac{I}{V}}} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 1}\end{matrix}$

where I is the AC charging current and V is the AC charging voltageacross battery 200. Note that in one preferred embodiment the Kelvinconnections allow more accurate voltage determination because theseconnections do not carry substantial current to cause a resultant dropin the voltage measured.

The battery conductance is used to monitor charging of battery 200.Specifically, it has been discovered that as a battery is charged theconductance of the battery rises which can be used as feedback to thecharger. This rise in conductance can be monitored in microprocessor 328to determine when the battery has been fully charged.

In accordance with the present invention, as described above, RFreceiver 108 and/or barcode scanner 116 are included to substantiallyeliminate the need for user entry of the necessary battery information.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a battery testing system 400 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. System 400 isshown coupled to battery 200. System 400 includes battery testingcircuitry 404 and microprocessor 406. System 400 couples to batterycontacts 408 and 410 through electrical connections 412 and 414,respectively. In one preferred embodiment, a four point (or Kelvin)connection technique is used. Here, electrical connection 412 includes afirst connection 412A and second connection 412B and connection 414includes a first connection 414A and a second connection 414B. As in thecase of battery charging system 300 (FIG. 3), battery testing system 400also includes RF receiver 108 and barcode scanner 116 to substantiallyeliminate the need for user entry of the necessary battery information.Battery tester 400 utilizes received battery information to determine acondition of storage battery 200. A description of example componentswhich can be employed to form battery testing circuitry 404 is set forthin U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,650, issued Nov. 27, 2001, and entitled“ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

The above-described invention can be employed in either portable or“bench” (non-portable) battery charging and testing systems, and othersimilar applications such as starter and alternator testing systems.Although the example embodiments described above relate to wirelesscommunication (or transfer of battery information) using RF signals,other wireless communication techniques (for example, diffused infraredsignals) that are known in the industry or are developed in the futuremay be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent invention. A general embodiment of a tag (which can be affixedto a storage battery) that can wirelessly transmit information to, orreceive information from, a battery maintenance tool (tester, charger,etc.) is shown in FIG. 5. Tag 502 includes information circuitry 110similar to that described in FIG. 1 and a transceiver 504 forcommunicating with maintenance tool 506, which also includes atransceiver 508. Different embodiments of tag 502 and maintenance tool506 can use different wireless communication techniques.

There are several factors that relate to the manufacture, distribution,purchase and treatment of batteries, such as automotive batteries, thatimpact battery life. For example, when an battery such as automotivebattery is purchased, the freshness of the new battery has an impact onthe life of the battery because the longer the battery remains instorage without being recharged, the more damaging sulfation there maybe on the plates within the battery. Also, consistent and accuratetesting and recording of battery test results is important. Thus, insome embodiments, a RFID tag is used to store information about thebattery and battery test results at different stages in the life abattery. FIG. 6A illustrates an example of such an embodiment. As can beseen in block diagram 600 of FIG. 6A, battery 604 is assembled onassembly line 606 at manufacturing plant 602. At the end of the assemblyof battery 604, RFID tag 608 is affixed to battery housing 610. In oneembodiment, battery housing 610 includes a recessed portion 612 withinwhich the RFID tag 608 is affixed. This prevents damage of the RFID tag608 during transportation and storage of the battery 604, for example.In general, at manufacturing plant 602, battery manufacturinginformation is stored into RFID tag 608. This can include manufacturingplant and assembly line identification information. In addition to theparticular assembly line, the shift during which the battery wasassembled can also be stored into the RFID tag 608. Such detailedinformation related to the manufacture of the battery is useful forquality control audit purposes. Battery manufacturing information storedinto RFID tag 608 also includes battery parameters and other batteryinformation such as battery type (for example, flooded (wet), gelled,AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat, etc.), battery rating (for example, coldcranking ampere (CCA) rating), battery post configuration (top post orside post), etc. This battery-specific information facilitates theformation/coding of an algorithm that is tailored to the specificbattery type, battery post configuration, etc. The algorithm can bestored into the RFID tag 608 and read and utilized by a battery testereach time the battery is tested, thereby making the type of battery testcarried out on the battery consistent and substantially independent ofany need for data entry by a battery tester user. After theabove-described manufacturing information is loaded in to RFID tag 608at the manufacturing plant, the battery is tested. As can be seen inFIG. 6A, in manufacturing plant 602, battery 604 is tested usinginformation for RFID tag 608 and a timestamp for the test along with thebattery test results are written into RFID Tag 608.

Batteries such as 604 are shipped from a manufacturing plant such as 602to a distribution center 614. In some embodiments, upon arrival at thedistribution center 614, the battery 602 is tested and a timestamp forthe test along with the battery test results are written into the RFIDtag 608. The battery storage location in the distribution center canalso be stored in the RFID tag 608. In some embodiments, prior toshipping the battery 604 to a retailer/dealership 616, a battery test isagain performed at distribution center 614. A timestamp for the testalong with the battery test results are written into the RFID Tag 606.Upon arrival at the dealership 616, battery manufacturing information isread from RFID tag 608. Using the information read from tag 608, abattery test is conducted on battery 604 at the automobile dealership616. A battery test result is obtained and the battery test result and acorresponding timestamp stored into the RFID tag 608.

In some embodiments, a battery sale activation code is programmed intoRFID tag 608 at the automotive dealership 616. The battery saleactivation code is stored in a database. The database also storesinformation that indicates that the battery is currently for sale at theautomotive dealership 616. When selling battery 604 to a customer, thebattery sale activation code is read from the RFID tag and utilized toupdate the database to reflect that the battery has been sold. Ingeneral, the sale of battery 64 is proper only if the RFID tag 608 isproperly activated. This prevents situations such as a person stealingbattery 604 and then returning it to claim a refund, for example.Specifically, this security feature will show that the battery/RFID tagwas not properly activated at the time of sale if a return of a stolenbattery is attempted.

Selling the battery 604 to the customer also involves storing batterywarranty information and a date of sale of the battery into the RFID tag608. One embodiment of a warranty management method is described belowin connection with FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6B is a flowchart 650 showing steps of a warranty management methodin accordance with one embodiment. At step 652, battery warrantyinformation is stored in an RFID tag affixed to an original battery uponsale of the original battery. Also, at step 654, identificationinformation for the original battery and the corresponding batterywarranty information are stored in a database. At step 656, if theoriginal battery is returned prior to expiration of the warranty, areplacement battery with an affixed RFID tag is provided to thecustomer, and any unused warranty is transferred to the RFID tag affixedto the replacement battery. At step 658, the unused warranty iscancelled from the RFID tag affixed to the original battery. Further, atstep 660, the database is updated to reflect the transference of theunused warranty from the original battery to the replacement battery.

Referring back to FIG. 6A, after entry of battery warranty informationinto RFID tag 608, battery 604 is installed in a vehicle owned by thecustomer. Battery 604 is tested upon installation in the vehicle. Asdescribed earlier, testing of battery 604 involves reading the batterymanufacturing information from the RFID tag 608, conducting a batterytest using the battery manufacturing information, and obtaining abattery test result. The battery test result and a correspondingtimestamp is stored into the RFID tag 608. In some embodiments, testtechnician information is also stored into the RFID tag 608. Detailsabout linking vehicle information with battery manufacturing informationand battery warranty information in the RFID tag is described below inconnection with FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram showing a vehicle 700 having abattery 702 with an affixed RFID tag 704 in accordance with oneembodiment. Vehicle 700 has an on-board diagnostic II (OBDII) connection706. OBDII connections are known in the art and are used to couple tothe OBDII databus (not shown) of modern vehicles. Although, in FIG. 7,vehicle OBDII connection 708 is shown positioned in dashboard 706,connection 708 can be positioned in any suitable location within vehicle700. The OBD databus, and therefore OBDII connection 708, can be used toretrieve information related to various parameters, such as engineparameters, of the vehicle. Additionally, the OBDII connection 708provides a connection to the vehicle battery 702. In general, engineparameters, vehicle battery voltage and the vehicle identificationnumber (VIN) can be obtained from the OBDII connection 708. Thus, anysuitable connector from a device separate from, or external to, vehicle700 can be coupled to OBDII connection 708 to obtain the VIN, engineparameters, battery voltage, etc., of vehicle 700. The devices used toobtain the OBDII information can include an OBDII reader 710, which canbe separate from, or a part of, a computing device or batterymaintenance tool 712. The VIN, engine parameters and battery voltage canbe obtained from the OBDII connection 708 and can be programmed intomemory of RFID tag 704 using battery maintenance tool 712 or any othersuitable device at a vehicle dealership, for example. This, storedinformation can be read from RFID tag 704 prior to subsequent testingand can help in diagnosing and isolating battery, alternator and/orvehicle starter problems more rapidly and accurately. As indicatedabove, whether the VIN is obtained via OBDII connection 708, enteredmanually into a computing device capable of storing the information ifRFID tag 704, or obtained using any other suitable method, a VIN storedin RFID tag 704 is useful to tie battery warranty to a specific vehicle.As noted above, the serial number of the battery and warrantyinformation is also stored into the RFID tag.

In some embodiments, balancing information for multiple battery packs isstored into the RFID tag(s). FIG. 8 shows multiple batteries 800-1through 800-4, each including a corresponding one of RFID tags 802-1through 802-4. Battery balancing information in the RFID tags can beused in applications for heavy trucks, for example. In suchapplications, information stored in the RFID tags (802-1, 802-2, 802-3and 802-4) can include cranking capacity, time in service, miles inservice, geographical location, etc. Specifically, information fromindividual RFID tags (802-1, 802-2, 802-3, 802-4) can be obtained usingRFID receiver 804 and transferred to computing device/batterymaintenance tool 806 that includes a memory and a processor thatexecutes program code, which utilizes the information obtained from theindividual RFID tags to automatically sort and match appropriatebatteries for fleet maintenance, for example. In FIG. 8, RFID receiver804 is shown as a separate component coupled to computing device/batterymaintenance tool 806. However, in some embodiments, RFID receiver 804 isa part of, or integrated with, computing device/battery maintenance tool806.

As indicated above, in some embodiments, a battery purchase locationidentifier (store identification number or any other suitableequivalent) is stored into the RFID tag affixed to the battery. Also, asindicated above, storing the date of purchase of the battery into theRFID tag starts the warranty clock.

In some embodiments, a name or other identification information for atechnician who tests the storage battery is stored into the RFID tag.This allows for automatic statistical checking of technicianproficiency, for example, with the help of a computing device thatemploys the technician-related information in the RFID tag to determinetechnician proficiency.

As noted above, in some embodiments, battery test related information,such as battery test results are stored in an RFID tag affixed to thebattery. Additionally, in some embodiments, battery trending information(for example, results of multiple tests over time) is stored into theRFID tag affixed to the battery. In such embodiments, batterydegradation can be more accurately determined than by using a simple onepoint snapshot test. Also, data relating to a series of test steps canbe stored into the RFID tag. For example, pre-charge test results and acorresponding time stamp and post-charge test results and acorresponding time stamp can be stored. This can be read by a batterymaintenance tool and can be used, for example, to determine if enoughtime has elapsed to allow a proper battery charge.

As noted above, test results and test related data over multiple batterytests over time can be stored in the RFID tag affixed to the battery.The enables a battery maintenance tool having a memory and a processorto carry out a method for retrieving data from a previous test from theRFID tag and comparing the retrieved data to present test data. Also,prior test data from the RFID tag is, in some embodiments, utilized bythe battery maintenance tool to determine a “slope” of degradation ofthe battery to which the RFID tag is affixed. Both pre and post loadtest results can be stored in the RFID tag, affixed to the battery, andutilized for computations by a battery maintenance tool. The storedbattery test-related information, read from the RFID tag and utilized bya battery maintenance tool for battery analysis, could be from twocompletely different points in time.

FIG. 9 simplified block diagram showing a method for fraud preventionwhen RFID tags are used to store battery related information. Inessence, this method involves retrieving data stored in an RFID tag(such as 902) affixed to a battery (such as 900) and comparing theretrieved data with independent data at a remote database (such as 908).In FIG. 9, RFID receiver 904 is used to retrieve data from RFID tag 902and computing device/battery maintenance tool 906 is used to compare theretrieved data with independent data retrieved from database 908.Database 908 can be stored in memory of a remote computer, whichcommunicates with computing device/battery maintenance tool 906 usingwired or wireless communication. Database 908 can store a copy ofwarranty information stored in RFID tag 902 at the time of sale ofbattery 900 by a dealership, for example. Thus, at a later time, whenthe battery 900 is brought to the dealership, the above data comparisonscan be used, for example, to determine whether warranty informationstored in the RFID tag 902 has been altered subsequent to purchase toimproperly gain additional warranty. In general, this data comparisontechnique is particularly useful for the purpose of fraud preventionand/or warranty verification.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the battery manufacturing date andthe data of sale of the battery or the battery in-service date (date thebattery was put in service) are stored into the RFID tag affixed to thebattery. In one embodiment, the battery manufacturing date from the RFIDtag is used, by a battery maintenance tool or other computing device, tocompare with the battery in-service date for tracking battery shelf lifeand supply chain stock rotation problems (i.e., improper first in, firstout (FIFO) inventory control).

As noted earlier, in some embodiments, manufacturing plant or assemblyline information is stored into the RFID tag affixed to the battery. Inaddition to the particular assembly line, the shift during which thebattery was assembled can also be stored in the RFID tag. Such detailedinformation related to the manufacture of the battery is useful forquality control audit purposes. Obtaining manufacturing relatedinformation from the RFID tags and processing of this information forquality control audit purposes is carried out by a suitable computingdevice having an RFID receiver, a processor and a memory with necessaryprogrammed instructions.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. It should be noted that the barcode(s) (usedin some embodiments of the tag) and the corresponding barcode scanner(used in some embodiments of the tester/charger) are optional andtherefore the invention can operate only with the RFID encoded batteryinformation in the tag and a corresponding RF receiver in thetester/charger. It should be noted that the above invention is suitablefor use in battery testers, chargers or a combined battery tester andcharger.

1. A method comprising: affixing a barcode tag on a storage battery at abattery manufacturing plant, the barcode tag including batterymanufacturing information, wherein the battery manufacturing informationincludes battery identification information and a battery algorithmsuitable for use in testing the battery.
 2. The method of claim 1 andfurther comprising: reading the battery manufacturing information fromthe barcode tag at the battery manufacturing plant; testing the batteryat the battery manufacturing plant using the battery manufacturinginformation; obtaining a battery test result at the batterymanufacturing plant; and storing the battery identification information,the battery test result and a corresponding timestamp into a memory thatis remote from the battery.
 3. The method of claim 1 and furthercomprising: reading the battery manufacturing information from thebarcode tag at a battery distribution center; conducting a battery testat the battery distribution center using the battery manufacturinginformation; obtaining a battery test result at the battery distributioncenter; and storing the battery identification information, the batterytest result and a corresponding timestamp into a memory that is remotefrom the battery.
 4. The method of claim 1 and further comprising:reading the battery manufacturing information from the barcode tag at anautomobile dealership; conducting a battery test at the automobiledealership using the battery manufacturing information; obtaining abattery test result at the automobile dealership; and storing thebattery identification information, the battery test result and acorresponding timestamp into a memory that is remote from the battery.5. The method of claim 1 and further comprising generating a saleactivation barcode label that includes a battery sale activation codeand affixing the sale activation barcode label on the battery.
 6. Themethod of claim 5 and further comprising storing the battery saleactivation code in a database and indicating, in the database, that thebattery is currently for sale at an automotive dealership.
 7. The methodof claim 6 and further comprising selling the battery to a customer,wherein selling the battery to a customer comprises: reading the batterysale activation code from the sale activation barcode label; utilizingthe battery sale activation code to update the database to reflect thatthe battery has been sold.
 8. The method of claim 7 and wherein sellingthe battery to the customer further comprises storing battery warrantyinformation and a date of sale of the battery into the database.
 9. Themethod of claim 1 and further comprising installing the battery in avehicle and testing the battery upon installation in the vehicle. 10.The method of claim 9 and wherein testing the battery upon installationin the vehicle comprises: reading the battery manufacturing informationfrom the barcode tag when the battery is first installed in the vehicle;conducting a battery test using the battery manufacturing informationwhen the battery is first installed in the vehicle; obtaining a batterytest result when the battery is first installed in the vehicle; andstoring the battery test result and a corresponding timestamp into amemory that is remote from the battery.
 11. The method of claim 10 andfurther comprising storing test technician information into the memorythat is remote from the battery.
 12. The method of claim 10 and furthercomprising: obtaining information related to the vehicle in which thebattery is installed; and storing the information related to the vehiclein the memory that is remote from the battery.
 13. The method of claim12 wherein obtaining information related to the vehicle comprisesobtaining information related to the vehicle from on-board diagnostic II(OBDII) connection of the vehicle.
 14. The method of claim 13 andwherein the information related to the vehicle obtained from the OBDIIconnection comprises a vehicle identification number VIN of the vehicle.15. The method of claim 1 and further comprising utilizing timestampinformation stored in the memory that is remote from the battery totrack stock rotation and shelf life of the battery.
 16. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the information related to the manufacture of thebattery comprises manufacturing plant information and assembly lineinformation.
 17. The method of claim 16 and further comprising utilizingthe manufacturing plant information and the assembly line informationfor quality control audit purposes.
 18. The method of claim 2 andwherein the memory that is remote from the battery is one of a batterytester memory, a battery charger memory, a general purpose computermemory or a Cloud based memory.
 19. A method comprising: affixing awarranty barcode label on an original battery upon sale of the originalbattery, the warranty barcode label including warranty information forthe original battery, wherein the original battery further comprises abarcode label that includes battery identification information.
 20. Themethod of claim 19 and further comprising storing identificationinformation for the original battery and the corresponding batterywarranty information in a database.
 21. The method of claim 20 andfurther comprising, if the original battery is returned prior toexpiration of the warranty, providing a replacement battery with anaffixed replacement warranty barcode label that comprises informationrelated to any unused warranty.
 22. The method of claim 21 and furthercomprising: updating the database to reflect the transference of theunused warranty from the original battery to the replacement battery.